CSUSM project motivates next generation

The professors said the visiting high schoolers worked with undergraduates in the lab, giving them an opportunity to learn firsthand about what it is like to be a student at the university.

“They can imagine, ‘This could be me in a few years,’” DeLeone said.

Visits from San Marcos High science students are expected to begin this year, and regular weekly visits from Vista High math students will begin Jan. 24. The Vista students will be working in a two-hour weekly math project with Professor Shahed Sharif.

The professors said the university will expand the program slowly and gauge its success by tracking incoming science students.

“We’ll have succeeded in five years if we’ve helped the sites meet their goals to create vibrant math and science programs for their students,” Price said.

DeLeone said success also will mean more student choosing to pursue a STEM degree.

“We’d like them to understand that not only does this region have a very strong STEM presence in industry, but we also want them to know that you can get a great education at Cal State San Marcos,” he said.